Automatic electric regulator.



W. A. TURBAYNE.

AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC REGULATOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 13, 1912. 1,183,411 1.

Patented May16,1916.

2 SHEETSSHEET I.

*IIIIIIIIIIIIII W. A. TURBAYNE.

AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC REGULATOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 13, I9l2.

1,183,41 1. Patented May 16, 1916.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

o'NrrEn STATES PATENT anion.

WILLIAM A. TURBAYNE, OF BUFFALO, NEXV YORK, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO U. S. LIGHT & HEAT CORPORATION, OF NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK, A

CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC REGULATOR.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 16, 1916.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, VVILLIAM A: TUR- BAYNE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Buffalo, in the county of Erie and State of New York, have invented new and useful Improvements in Automatic Electric Regulators, of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification.

My invention relates to improvements in automatic electric regulators.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a regulator that is compact, efficient and reliable.

Another object is to provide a unitary structure embodying both a regulator and an automatic switch.

One regulator that I have devised in accordance with my invention is particularly adapted for automobile lighting systems. Such systems in general comprise a generator, a storage battery and lamps. The generator is driven by the automobile engine and supplies current to the storage battery and the lamps. Inasmuch as the generator is usually driven at a variable speed, it is necessary to provide a regulator to confine its output. It is further necessary to provide an automatic switch to open the circuit between the generator and the storage battery whenever the generator is at rest or is running at a low speed so as to prevent the battery from discharging back through the generator.

The regulator that I have devised is compact and performs the function of both a regulator and automatic switch.

In accordance with my invention I provide electromagnetic means that is common to both the regulator and the automatic switch and serves to operate the two devices.

The accompanying drawings illustrate two forms of re 'ulators that I have worked out in accordance with my invention. These forms are adapted specially for automobile lighting systems, but may also be used in railway car lighting systems and elsewhere, wherever applicable. Of course, the invention may be embodied in various other forms and various modifications may be made in the regulators shown in the drawings.

The views in the drawings are as follows:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of one form of regulator, showing the same connected in circuit. Fi 2 is a diagrammatic representation of another form of regulator. Fig. 3 is a top plan View of a complete regulator showing the same mounted on a panel, but with part of the outer casing broken away. Fig. 4 is a front elevation thereof with the cover removed.

The circuit diagram in Fig. 1 may be taken to represent either an automobile llghting system, a car lighting system or any system employing a variable speed generator, storage battery and translating devices. The variable speed generator has an armature 1 and shunt field winding 2. It

supplies the main circuit 3, 4 across which the battery 5 and lamp circuit 6 are connected in parallel branches.

I will now describe the regulator. The automatic switch elements thereof include a movable contact member 7 preferably pivoted at 8 and normally held in open position against an adjustable stop 9, by means of an adjustable spring 10, as shown in the drawings. The movable contact member or armature 7 is adapted to cooperate with a relatively fixed stationary contact 11 to close the main circuit when drawn forward against the tension of said spring. The armature 7 is attracted upon sufficient energi- Zation of the voltage responsive winding 12 which is connected in a shunt circuit directly across the generator terminals. A shunt path of high resistance is also provided for said winding 12, between the same and the positive generator terminal. This shunt circuit includes the conductor 13 and the resistance 14, said conductor being connected at a point between the generator shunt field winding 2 and said resistance 14, which is connected in series with said field winding for regulating purposes, as hereinafter described.

In addition to the voltage responsive winding, the regulator has a current responsive winding 15 which is connected in series in the main circuit. This series winding is deenergized as long as the automatic switch is open, but is energized as soon as the armature 7 is attracted, and assists the shunt winding 12 in holding said armature in closed position against the action of the spring 10. These two windings act cumulatively when the current is flowing from the generator in a charging direction but differentially when the current discharges from the battery into the generator, as hereinafter explained. The windings are preferably designed so that the voltage Winding predominates in effectiveness. The magnetic flux, developed by the electromagnet of which these two windings form a part, is used also to cause the attraction of a second movable armature 16 preferably pivoted at the point 17 and normally held against an adjustable outer contact mem ber 18 through the action of the adjustable spring 19, these latter elements constituting parts of the generator regulator. When this armature 16 is attracted, its forward movement is limited by the adjustable insulating stop 20. Accordingly, the permissible movement of the armature is very small, while the air gap is of considerable length. As a result the slight movement of the armature, which is adapted to vibrate rapidly, makes no appreciable difference in the magnetic flux acting thereon.

The pivoted armature 16 normally closes a shunt circuit around the resistance 14, thereby permitting full excitation of the generator shunt field winding 2. Whenever said armature is attracted and the said shunt circuit is opened, said resistance 14 is temporarily out into circuit with the generator field winding 2, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of said field winding. As the armature is adapted to vibrate rapidly, the resistance 14 is cut into and out of circuit at a rapid rate, thereby controlling the mean energization of said generator field winding. The vibrations of the armature 16 begin only when the generator current tends to exceed a certain pre-determined value, at which time the. energization of the series winding 15 increases sufficiently to cause the attraction of said armature. The attraction thereof weakens the field in the manner explained, and consequently tends to reduce the generator current and Weaken correspondingly the energization of said series winding 15, whereupon thespring 19 returns the armature 1.6 and the resistance 14 is again short-circuited. This cycle of operationv is repeated at a rapid rate in a manner that will be clearly apparent.

The operation of the system will now be described: When the generator armature is rotated at a low speed, the automatic switch is open and the battery carries the lamp load and supplies whatever other circuits may be connected therewith such, for example, as the ignition systemfnot shown) in the case of an automobile. When. the speed of armature rotation increases a certain pre-determined amount, the generator voltage which increases therewith. causes sufiicient, energization ofgthe shunt winding 12 to attract the pivoted armature 7 which is thereafter held in closed position by the series winding 15 as Well. The automatic switch closes when the generator voltage is substantially equal to or slightly in excess of the battery voltage. After the closing of the automatic switch, the generator charges the storage battery and carries the lamp load, if any lamps are in circuit. If the generator output tends to increase beyond a certain predetermined value, due to increased speed of armature rotation, the increased energization of both windings causes the vibration of the pivoted armature 16 in the manner previously explained. The generator is accordingly regulated for substantially constant output during the normal charging period of the battery. When the battery approaches a fully charged condition, however, the C. E. M. F. thereof rises appreciably. The voltage of the system rises accordingly. The shunt winding 12 responds to this increase in voltage and acting cumulatively with the series winding 15 tends to modify the vibrations of the pivoted armature 16. The result of the increasing energization of voltage winding 12 is to tend to decrease the mean energization of the generator field winding, thereby reducing the generator current. The action of the regulator is to tend to maintain a constant number of ampere turns acting upon the magnet core.. Accordingly as the effectiveness of the shunt winding 12 increases, the effectiveness of the series winding 15 decreases. As a result the battery is given a tapering charge characteristic. As the effectiveness of the current coil diminishes, the effectiveness of the voltage coil increases so that the voltage regulation which normally predominates, now increases still further its predominat ing effect, the current supplied to the external circuit being of a value just sufficient to carry whatever lamps are in circuit. If no lamps are in circuit just sufficient current flows to prevent the battery voltage from dropping back to the normal value for the charged battery. With the above arrangement, even with the battery in a depleted condition, the current entering same can not reach an excessive "alue, while, on the other hand, even should the battery circuit be opened, the generator voltage will be held to a reasonable limit by the action of the voltage winding.

In view of the fact that whenever the armature 16 is attracted, the upper terminal of the voltage winding 12 is instantaneously connected in series with the resistance 14 through the conductor 13, a very high speed action will be obtained, this connection being that, described and claimed in m copending application, Serial N 0. 624,480, filed May 1, 1 911, voltage regulator. I find'in practice, however, that with a regulator of the general construction described, a sufficient speed of vibration may be obtained suitable for many purposes when the shunt coil 12 is connected directly and continuously across the generator, as shown in an other figure. The advantage of the high speed of vibration, however, is that the sensitiveness of the regulation is increased.

In Fig. 2 I have illustrated diagrammatically another form of regulator and suitable circuit connections therefor, in which the generator is regulated by rapidly opening and closing a short circuit directly around the shunt field winding thereof. The same reference characters have been applied in this figure as in Fig. l where corresponding parts are shown. The voltage winding 12 is shown connected directly across the generator terminals. The function of the resistance 14. is to prevent short circuiting when the generator field is short circuited. The general operation of the system is similar in other respects to that previously described. I

In both of the circuit diagrams shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the series winding is connected in the main circuit between the generator and the battery branch to regulate the generator for constant current at approximately constant speed of armature rotation, the current flowing in the battery branch or the lamp branch of the external circuit being proportional to the relative demands of said branches. Of course, it is understood that said series winding may be con nected in the battery branch in a well known manner where it is desired to regulate the generator to supply substantially constant current to the storage battery, the generator furnishing also whatever additional current is demanded by the lamp circuit.

In Figs. 3 and 4 I have illustrated a preferred form of regulator which I have developed to meet commercial requirements, and which embodies the main elements illustrated diagrammatically in the preceding figures. The reference characters used in connection with Figs. 3 and 4 are the same as those previously employed to indicate corresponding elements having substantially the same function. The regulator is mount ed on a suitable support or panel 21 provided with an inclosing casing 22 having a front cover 23 provided with suitable openings 24, through which an ammeter 25 and voltmeter 26 project. The ammeter and the voltmeter are suitably mounted on opposite sides of the regulator and connected so as to indicate the circuit conditions. The shunt winding 12 and series winding 15 are wound about a single magnetic core 27, thereby forming a single magnet 28 having enlarged upper and lower pole pieces 29 and 30. The armatures 7 and 16 are pivoted to the lower pole piece and attracted toward the upper pole piece by the energization of said windings in the manner previously described. Various contact members heretofore described are preferably mounted on the pole piece 29, being carried by the supports 31 and 32 which are insulated from said pole piece by a layer of insulating material The pivoted armature 7 is provided at its upper end with a main contact 3% and with an auxiliary carbon contact 35 which cooperates with an adjustable stationary carbon contact 36. The lower ends of the pivoted armatures are drawn toward each other preferably by a single adjustable spring 37. The adjust ment of the contacts may be maintained by small springs 38 which engage the milled edges of the heads of the contacts.

The preferred form of regulator illus trated in Figs. 3 and 4 is small and compact and therefore well adapted to be mounted on the dash board of an automobile or in some other com'enient position thereon. In general, however, a regulator embodying the elements heretofore illustrated and scribed may be used in various other relations and particularly in railway car lighting. Of course, the invention is not limited to use in the systems referred to, but may be otherwise employed. Furthermore, the invention is, of course, not limited to the forms described and illustrated, as these embod. ments of the invention were selected for the purpose of illustration only. Various other embodiments may be devised which fall within the scope of the invention. I desire, therefore, to include broadly suitable equivalent means for accomplishing the desired results, as long as said means fall within the scope of the appended claims.

As many changes could be made in the above construction and many widely different embodiments of this invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings, shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letdel magnet, and the other armature being adapted to vibrate rapidly to regulate circuit conditions.

3. In combination. an electric circuit to be controlled and an automatic regulator therefor, said regulatm' including an electro-inagnet having a coil adapted to be connected in series in said circuit, and a coil connected across said circuit, a plurality of a rmatures controlled by said electro-magnet, one of said armatures operating to open and close said circuit under predetermined conditions and another of said armatures operating to regulate the voltage impressed on said circuit.

4-. An elcctro-magnetic regulator having a magnetic core with an enlarged pole face, a series winding and a shunt winding surrounding said core, and two pivoted armatures each adapted to be attracted by said enlarged pole face, each armature being in flucnced by either or both of said windings.

5.1\.n electric regulator comprising an electro-magnet having a shunt winding adapted to be connected across the terminals of a generator, :1 series winding adapted to be connected in the external circuit and a vibrating short circuiting armature, said shunt winding effecting the closing of said external circuit upon predetermined voltage rise of the generator, and said series winding assisting said shunt winding in maintainsaid circuit closed, and also acting to control said vibrating shortcircuiting arma ture for regulating the generator.

(3. An electric regulator comprising an electro-magnet having a current responsive winding and a voltage responsive winding, a switch contact member and a vibrating regulating member operated independently of said switch member both controlled by said electro-magnet, said current responsive coil causing said regulating member to vibrate at a rapid rate. and said voltage responsive winding acting to modify said vibrations.

7. in combination, a variable speed shunt wound generator, a load circuit including a storage battery supplied thereby, a nor mally short circuited resistance in series with the shunt field of said generator, and a regulator for said generator, said regulator including an electroumignet provided with shunt and series coils, said shunt coil connected across the terminals of said generator, said series coil being adapted to be connected in the external circuit, two movable armatures controlled by said magnet, one of said armatures being adapted to close said external circuit between said generator and load circuit, the other of said armatures being adapted for rapid vibration to open and close the short circuit around said resistance. said circuit closing armature operating in response to increased energization of said voltage coil and said vibrating armature vibrating at a rapid rate in response to increased energization of both of said coils to regulate the generator output, said series coil also serving to assist in holding said circuit closing armature in operated position and acting differentially with respect to said voltage coil when said battery tends to dischargethrough said generator thereby assisting in releasing said circuit closing armature. said voltage coil responding to an increasing (7. E. M. F. of said battery when the same approaches a fully charged condition, and thereby modifying the vibrations of said vibrating armature, whereby the battery charging current is tapered.

8. A combined electro-magnctic switch and regulator having in common a voltage responsive winding and a current responsive winding, automatic switch contacts controlled in closing by said voltage responsive winding and in opening by the differential action of said current and voltage responsive windings, and electric regulating means independently controlled by said windings acting accumulatively.

9. An automatic electric regulator comprising an electro-magnet having a magnet frame, a series coil and a shunt coil wound thereon, a, plurality of magnetic members secured to one end of said magnet frame and normally held out of contact with the other end of said magnet frame, but adapted to be drawn toward said magnet frame upon sullicient energization of either or both of said coils, one of said members serving as a switch to close the circuit through one of said coils, and the other of said members being adapted to open and close a shunt circuit around a regulating resistance.

10. An automatic electric regulator comprising an electro-magnet having a series coil and a shunt coil and two pivoted armatures, said coils controlling the movement of said armatures and acting cumulatively or differentially, depending on the condition of the circuit regulated thereby.

11. An automatic electric regulator comprising an electro-magnct having a series coil and a shunt coil, a plurality of armatures controlled thereby, one of said coils acting on one of said armatures to close a circuit through the other of said coils, said other coil controlling another armature for regulating purposes, the action of said other coil being modified by an increased energi- Zation of said first coil beyond a predetermined point.

12. An automatic electric regulator comprising an electro-magnet having a core provided with an enlarged pole face at one end and an extension at the other end, a plurality of windings, and a plurality of pivoted armatures, one end of each of said armatures being connected to said extension on said core, whereby the other ends thereof may be attracted toward said pole face, one of said armatures being adapted to vibrate at a rapid rate, and adjustable stops therefor to limit the permissible movement of said armature to a small amount as compared to the length of the air gap, whereby the vibrations of said armature do not materially affect the reluctance of the magnetic circuit.

13. An automatic electric regulator comprising an electro-magnct having a series and shunt coil, and having a plurality of movable armatures, a resistance adapted to be connected in series with said shunt coil, said coils both controlling one of said armatures to effect a rapid vibration thereof to open and close a short circuit around said resistance, said shunt coil acting cumulatively with said series coil and modifying the action thereof, whereby the energization of said shunt coil is reduced at rapid intervals corresponding to the rate of vibration of said armature, and whereby said rate of vibration is increased.

14. A regulator for a variable speed generator comprising a single core, having pole pieces at opposite ends, two movable armaturcs pivoted adjacent one end thereof to one of said pole pieces and adapted to be drawn inwardly at the other end by the other of said pole pieces, and contacts cooperating with said armatures, said contacts being mounted on said other pole piece but insulated therefrom.

15. In combination, a circuit to be controlled, and an automatic electric regulator and circuit controller including an electromagnet provided with an energizing winding, a plurality of armatures controlled by said electro-magnet, contacts for controlling said circuit, the operation of said contacts being controlled by one of said armatures, and a pair of regulating contacts, one of which is adapted to vibrate rapidly, said vibratory contact being controlled by another of said armatures.

16. An automatic electric regulator and circuit controller including an electro-magnot provided With an energizing winding, a plurality of armatures controlled by said electro-magnet, contacts for controlling an electric circuit, the operation of said contacts being controlled by one of said armatures, and a pair of regulating contacts, one of which is adapted to vibrate rapidly, said vibratory contact being controlled by another of said armatures.

17. A combined automatic switch and regulator including a voltage responsive coil and a current responsive coil having a common core, a pair of armatures cooperating with the respective ends of said core, one of said armatures controlling contacts adapted when the armature is attracted to close the circuit through said current responsive coil and the other armature being adapted to vibrate under the control of said coils, said latter armature in vibrating controlling means for regulating'the effective resistance of a circuit to be regulated.

18. In an electro-magnetic controller, a magnetic circuit emanating from a single source and including two armatures, contacts controlled by the armatures, and two windings of high and low resistance, respectively, for energizing said circuit, the low resistance winding being connected in series with the contacts controlled by one of the armatures.

19. In an electromagnetic controller, a magnetic core, a master-relay armature cooperating with the core, a limiting relay armature cooperating with the core, contacts controlled by the armatures, a magnetic connecting member between the armatures whereby a magnetic circuit is formed including said member, the armatures and the core, and a winding on the core, aifect ing the action of both armatures.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of two Witnesses.

WVILLI AM A TURB AYNE.

Witnesses C. E. MEAD, F. J. CALLATIAN.

Copies of this patent may he obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. 

